Shreyas H S
Pics: Meryick D'Silva
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore
Mangalore, May 26: The district administration is mulling the reallocation of 3.35 acres of land at Bondel, previously earmarked for the construction of a ‘Rang Mandir’ (theatre) by the Kannada and culture department.
The land might now be assigned to the department of youth services and sports (DYSS) which is hoping for the allocation of about 10 acres of land to carve out a stadium on this location.
In 2010, the district administration had allotted 3.35 acres of land to the Kannada and culture department, following which a foundation stone had been laid to build a Rang Mandir by then chief minister B S Yeddyurappa. However, due to some technical reasons, construction work has not been initiated yet.
Meanwhile, the district administration received a proposal from the DYSS to erect a stadium on the same location. “DYSS has approached the district administration in connection to the allocation of land to build a stadium in Bondel,” said Parshwanath, assistant director of fisheries, Mangalore, who now also holds the additional charge of deputy director of DYSS.
“The department is currently hoping for the allocation of 10 acres of land. The talks are under way and nothing has been finalized yet,” he added.
Part of the land, around 7 acres, is with the public works department (PWD). It is learned that PWD has acquired the land to accommodate government quarters.
An official from the Kannada and Culture Department, under condition of anonymity, said the land at Bondel has been earmarked as open space, partly as play ground, and partly for site allotment. MUDA (Mangalore Urban Development Authority) has preserved the right given to the land.
This has thwarted the efforts of constructing a Rang Mandir as many government procedures have to be cleared. The administration is now searching for new land to house a Rang Mandir in Mangalore, said the source.
“MUDA has already given its opinion to the district administration on building a stadium. We have no objection in granting the land to the DYSS to build a stadium,” said Mohammad Nazeer, MUDA commissioner. He added that the authority would issue an NOC (No Objection Certificate) for this.
Deputy commissioner, A B Ibrahim speaking to daijiworld said, the decision to grant the land to DYSS has not been taken yet. The KSCA (Karnataka State Cricket Association) has also approached in connection to bring out a stadium in Mangalore. "We are searching new land for Rang Mandir," he added.